IATEFL 2025: A Premier Event for English Language Teaching Professionals
The International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) had its 58th annual conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, last week. Known for uniting English language teaching (ELT) professionals from across the globe, each year the event delivers a dynamic mix of workshops, seminars and networking opportunities that cater to the diverse needs of educators in the field.
A glimpse into IATEFL
Founded in 1967, IATEFL has long been a cornerstone in supporting and developing English language teaching professionals worldwide. While its annual conference is a major highlight, the association also offers a wealth of resources, including publications, webinars, and special interest groups (SIGs) that cover a wide range of topics within ELT.
What was new at IATEFL 2025?
With 2,400 delegates from more than 100 countries, the 2025 conference in Edinburgh brought several exciting additions that enriched the experience for attendees:
Preview brochure: The conference preview brochure provided early details on plenary speakers, the academic program and information about exhibitors and sponsors. It gave participants a sneak peek at the topics and speakers that would shape the event.
Pre-conference events: A series of pre-conference events took place, covering specialised topics such as linguistic landscapes in the classroom and neurodiversity awareness for teacher trainers. These sessions allowed for more focused discussions and in-depth engagement before the main conference began.
Scholarship opportunities: IATEFL continued its tradition of supporting emerging voices in the ELT community through various scholarships, such as the First-time Speaker Scholarship and the Facilitator Scholarship. These initiatives are designed to encourage new speakers and facilitators to share their insights and contribute to the growth of the global ELT community.
Why attend IATEFL ?
Attending IATEFL offers numerous benefits for ELT professionals:
Professional development: With a diverse range of sessions, attendees can deepen their knowledge of current trends, research, and best practices in English language teaching. The conference provides an opportunity to engage with new ideas and refine teaching methods.
Networking: IATEFL brings together educators, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world, offering excellent opportunities to make connections, collaborate and share ideas with like-minded professionals.
Access to resources: The event features a wide array of exhibitors showcasing the latest teaching materials, tools and resources. Educators can take home new strategies and products to enhance their teaching practices.
Looking ahead
With IATEFL's commitment to delivering a rich and engaging experience, 2026 promises to be another memorable year for English language teaching professionals. Whether you're an experienced educator or just starting your career in ELT, IATEFL 2026 in Brighton offers an invaluable opportunity to learn, connect and grow within the global ELT community.
For more information: www.iateflconference.org
